Breathe Free

Breathe Free

Sept. 7-13, 2001
Weekend Magazine, Supplement of Khaleej Times.

‘I have often observed that there is not a man breathing who does not differ from all other men, as much in the sentiments of his mind, as the features of his face,’ Richard Steele once said. The man behind this profound observation would have been amazed if he knew just how right he was! Every man’s ‘Sentiments of Mind’ depend on his unique way of breathing

According to ancient Indian scriptures, mind and breathing are closely linked. Professor Nimbalkar, Director, Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai, says that mind and breathing are so closely linked, that a change in one, unavoidably changes the state of the other.

At a particularly tense moment in a horror movie, notice how your breath stops! What is a sigh? Nothing but a long exhalation, which is due to the feeling of associated grief. It is said that ‘When the heart is full, the tongue is tied.’ In Hathapradeepika, Swatmaram says, ‘When breathing is on, the chitta or the mind becomes active or functional and when the breathing is stable, the mind becomes calm.’

Normally, in one minute, a human being breathes 15 to 17 times. If your regular breathing rate is more, these harmful effects will gradually occur.

• Memory will be affected
• Skin will start wrinkling
• Hair will gray
• Joints will stiffen
• Confidence will decrease
• Irritability will increase

During a passionate encounter, the breath rate increases to 60-70 breaths per minute. When a man is angry, violent or scared, the rate is 40-60. During sleep, it is 20025. Whilst walking, it is 18-20. Whilst sitting, it is 15-17. Scientifically, deep breathing brings it down to 6-8 per minute. Yogis, who have practiced breath control, breathe only 1-4 times per minute!

Saman Shrutapragna, a practitioner of Prekshadhyan, a meditation technique developed by Indian monks of the order Terapanthis, has revealed this deep breathing ritual for the uninitiated:

Sit cross-legged on a dhurry. Place your left palm facing upwards on your crossed ankles.

Now place your right palm on the left palm, also facing upwards, so that the lower palm cradles the upper.

Now start breathing calmly and rhythmically. Focus your mind on the umbilical area. Experience the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the stomach.

After about 5-7 minutes, focus on the inner rims of your nostrils. Concentrate on inhalations and exhalations for about 5-7 minutes. Gradually relax.

Practiced regularly, this ritual will:
• Enhance your personality
• You will have better control over your negative emotions
• Your confidence will increase
• Your attention span will increase
• You will have more energy